California Ag Network

Category: Ag Legislation

  • New Online Course Provides Roadmap to Greener Pastures

    The regenerative agriculture consulting group, Understanding Ag, LLC, today announced its new, online course providing practical insights and techniques on adaptive grazing is now available. The course is specifically tailored for farmers and ranchers seeking to improve their pastures and profit margins.

    Regen Ag Adaptive Grazing is the second Regen Ag ONLINE virtual course developed by regenerative ag pioneers Gabe Brown, Shane New and Allen Williams, Ph.D., based on their decades-long, on-farm experience in applying soil health-centric, regenerative agricultural principles and practices. Both courses are designed to help farmers and ranchers successfully transition from conventional agricultural practices to more profitable and climate-friendly regenerative practices.

    “Regen Ag Adaptive Grazing is the only comprehensive online course that provides a step-by-step roadmap for farmers and ranchers to integrate key grazing principles into their operations, all of which combine to improve the quality, diversity and quality of grazing biomass,” Williams said. “The modules come complete with video instruction from SHA’s world-renowned cadre of instructors, with supplemental media for students to search, read, watch and interact with.”

    Through the course, Williams said subscribers will receive in-depth instruction on the Three Rules of Adaptive stewardship; observation as a key management tool; determining stock density; calculating forage biomass; the role of biology in improving grazing lands; building a grazing plan and more.

    “Like it’s companion course, Regen Ag 101, Regen Ag Adaptive Grazing contains video lectures, case studies and supporting research gleaned from the very best of Soil Health Academy live workshops across the U.S.,” Williams said. “Through this interactive platform, subscribers can learn and profit from UA’s grazing experts, 365/24/7, as they share their regenerative grazing secrets. Through our years of consulting, we’ve seen how applying these principles leads to more resilient and profitable farming, dairying and ranching operations.”

    According to Williams, a third Regen Ag ONLINE course focusing on regenerative cropping strategies is scheduled for release later this year. To register or to learn more about Regen Ag Adaptive Grazing or the other Regen Ag ONLINE courses, visit www.UnderstandingAg.com.

  • Weather Conditions Cause of Rind Breakdown in Satsuma Mandarin

    Although you never know about the weather, we do know that if heavy rain occurs after color break in mandarins there can be significant rind breakdown. This problem can destroy much of the crop and the problem is largely preventable.

    Pre-harvest rind decay of mandarins in California generally occurs shortly after rain falls and is most severe on Satsuma mandarins. Although some researchers have associated the problem with fungi such as Alernaria species, isolations from affected fret have been inconsistent. Inoculations with isolated fungi only sometimes reproduce disease symptoms and only on water-soaked fruit. Furthermore, in preliminary field trials there were conducted in Butte Co in the fall of 2002 and 2003, fungicide treatments that included Topsin-M, Pristine and Abound only reduced the incidence of disease from 99% in the control to approximately 90% .  These data suggested that mandarin rind breakdown is a physiological, abiotic disorder of fruit rather than a pathological problem and the fungi isolated are rather secondary causes of rind decay than primary pathogens.

    Rind breakdown of citrus was previously reported by Fawcett and others in the 1930s. Wet weather combined with a sudden decrease in temperature was shown to result in generation of rind oil and collapse of cells just under the cuticle. In laboratory and field trials in 2003, fruit treatments with water repellants reduced the incidence of rind breakdown to very low levels. Field trials were again conducted in the fall of 2004. Fungicide treatments were ineffective in these trials. In all trials, application so Vapor-Gard or Omni oil significantly reduced the disorder. In all programs with Vapor-Gard and Omni oil, a first application was made at the end of October and there was no significant difference in efficacy when additions applications were done. When tree were protected from rainfall using a tent, the disorder could not be detected, indicating the rind breakdown is correlated to rainfall.

    In summary, results from the trials support previous findings by Fawcett that mandarin rind disorder is an abiotic, weather-related problem of mature fruit that has undergone a green to orange color change. Using a water repellant helps protect the fruit. — By Ben Faber, UCCE Ventura County Advisor

  • Research Indicates Paint Not Effective At Protecting Young Avocados From Herbicide Drift

    California Avocado Commission — While it is often common practice for fruit growers to apply white latex paint to the bottom 2 to 3 feet of young, newly planted trees in order to provide some protection from herbicide drift, researchers note there is little evidence to prove this practice is effective.

    A recent blog post by Dr. Ben Faber summarized the findings of a California field experiment conducted in 2017 that measured the impact of latex paint in preventing herbicide injury on young almond trees. The block of trees consisted of greenhouse-grown trees in cartons. Nine weeks prior to the herbicide applications, the cartons were removed for trees in the “no paint” and “old paint” sections so their bark could harden off. Two days prior to applying the herbicide, the cartons were removed for the “new paint” trees and then the trees were painted.

    According to the researchers:

    • The paint did not provide significant protection from glyphosate or glufosinate.
    • Tree stress caused by trunk-applied herbicides was lowest in trees with no paint, suggesting that allowing the bark to harden on young trees is an important means of protecting them from herbicide drift.
    • In most treatment combinations, old and new paint applications did not reduce tree stress as effectively as allowing the bark to harden on trees nine weeks prior to application.
    • The most effective means of protecting trunks was installing a carton. However, it is important to remember that once the carton is removed (as the tree matures), there may be green bark present which would be vulnerable to herbicides.

  • CA Avocado Disease Management Webinar, FEB. 16

    The California Avocado Society, California Avocado Commission and UC Cooperative Extension are hosting a free online Grower Webinar: Avocado Disease Management session on Wednesday, February 16 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

    The webinar is designed to provide growers and grove managers with information concerning management strategies for diseases that California avocado trees are prone to. The online seminar will cover:

    • Approaches to combating avocado root rot, including pesticide management
    • The availability of a new chemical to manage Phytophthora
    • Other chemical and horticultural practices related to disease management in California avocado groves

    The presenters include Dr. Ben Faber, Crops Advisor for the UC Cooperative Extension, and Dakota Camino, PCA with Syngenta.

    Online registration for the webinar is now available.

  • North American Raspberry & Blackberry Conference Goes Virtual

    The North American Raspberry & Blackberry Association (NARBA) has reached the decision that its annual conference in February 2022, will move to a virtual conference format due to the ongoing disruption of the Covid 19 pandemic.

    The conference was previously formatted as a hybrid meeting, both in-person in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and virtual. All sessions will now be live-streamed for virtual participation and will be available to registrants for on-demand viewing for an extended period post-conference.

    “Last year’s virtual conference gave us the ability to share all the information of our conference with people all over the country and all over the world,” comments NARBA president Jim Jedele. “We are pleased to build on that experience for this meeting.”

    A pre-conference virtual short course for novice growers, “Getting Started in Raspberries & Blackberries”, runs bi-weekly January 31 – February 21st. This course will be led by some of the leading caneberry educators from around the country.  Sign up today and catch up on the recorded sessions!

    Conference sessions feature top experts and experienced growers. Topics include caneberry breeding, pest and disease control, high tunnel and long-cane production, food safety and farm management, ag and labor policy, and marketing.  Over 50 speakers from around the world are included in the two-track format. The virtual format includes opportunities for live Q&A and online networking.

    To see a detailed program for the virtual conference, view a full list of speakers and find event registration information, please visit www.raspberryblackberry.com/2022-north-american-raspberry-blackberry-conference/

    The North American Raspberry & Blackberry Association is a membership association of growers large and small, researchers, suppliers, and others in the caneberry industry.

    For further information and updates about the 2022 NARBA annual conference please contact Darcy Kochis at darcy@foodfirstmarketing.com.

  • FDA Resources for Supply Chain Disruption Assistance in Food & Ag

    The FDA has been working closely with the food industry and other government partners throughout the pandemic to continuously monitor the impact of COVID-19. We understand the severe impact the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic is having on the food and agriculture industry, including the health and safety of workers and their families. Labor shortages, transportation challenges, packaging shortages, international import delays and severe weather continue to contribute to disruptions in U.S. food supply chains that ultimately impact consumers.

    The FDA would like to share information about access to assistance if you are experiencing supply chain disruptions:

    Report Supply Chain Problems/Request Assistance from the FDA

    Food facilities and farms can continue to report a closure or a reduction in operations and/or request assistance for a human food establishment regulated by the FDA, excluding restaurant, retail food establishments, and animal food operations. Read the full guidance for additional information.

    Report Closure/Reduction and/or Request Assistance

    Food and Agriculture Sector

    The Food and Agriculture Sector Coordinating Council (SCC) serves as the primary private industry-led policy coordination and planning entity to collaborate with the FDA, the US Department of Agriculture, the US Department of Homeland Security and the Food and Agriculture Government Coordinating Council (GCC), among others, to address the entire range of critical infrastructure security and resilience activities and sector-specific issues.

    If you wish to become involved with, or are a member of the Food and Agriculture SCC, or if your food firm/business is experiencing supply chain disruptions, you may contact the chairman of the SCC, Clay Detlefsen, Esq., Senior Vice President, Environmental and Regulatory Affairs & Staff Counsel; National Milk Producers Federation at cdetlefsen@nmpf.org.

    Temporary Policies

    The FDA has issued temporary guidance to provide regulatory flexibility, where appropriate, to help minimize the impact of supply chain disruptions on product availability associated with the current COVID-19 pandemic.  These temporary policies remain in effect. Details about each appear at the  following links:

    Links to Key Resources

  • USDA Announces Inaugural Federal Advisory Committee on Urban Ag

    Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack selected 12 members to serve on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) inaugural Secretary’s Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture to provide input on policy development and to help identify barriers to urban agriculture as USDA works to promote urban farming and the economic opportunities it provides in cities across the country.

    The new Secretary’s Advisory Committee is part of USDA’s efforts to support urban agriculture, creating a network for feedback. Urban agriculture plays an important role in producing fresh, healthy food in areas where grocery stores are scarce, and also provides jobs and beautifies neighborhoods.  

    “Urban agriculture has been growing in impact and importance, and we are taking bold actions to build a support structure,” said Vilsack.

    “I look forward to learning how we can better serve urban agricultural producers, which will complement our efforts focusing on equity, local food systems, access to safe and nutritional food and new ways to address climate change,” said Blong Xiong California State Executive Director.   

    Secretary’s Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture

    The Committee is made up of agricultural producers, and representatives from the areas of higher education or extension programs, non-profits, business and economic development, supply chains and financing.  
     
    Members include:

    • Jerry Ann Hebron, Mich., Urban Producer
    • Bobby Wilson, Ga., Urban Producer
    • Viraj Puri, N.Y., Innovative Producer
    • Kaben Smallwood, Okla., Innovative Producer
    • Sally Brown, Wash., Higher Education
    • John Erwin, Md., Higher Education
    • Carl Wallace, Ohio, Non-Profit Representative
    • John Lebeaux, Mass., Business and Economic Development Representative
    • Zachari Curtis, D.C., Supply Chain Experience
    • Allison Paap, Calif., Financing Entity Representative
    • Tara Chadwick, Fla., Related Experience
    • Angela Mason, Ill., Related Experience

    USDA and the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production peer reviewed more than 300 nominees, and Vilsack made the final selections. Selections ensured geographic, racial and gender diversity and a broad range of agricultural experience. The new members will serve terms of one to three years.

    The first meeting of this inaugural committee, which will be open to the public, will take place in late February. More details will be available in the Federal Register and at farmers.gov/urban and the new Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture website.

    USDA and Urban Agriculture

    The advisory committee and county committees are part of a broad USDA investment in urban agriculture. Other efforts include:

    • Grants that target areas of food access, education, business and start-up costs for new farmers, and development of policies related to zoning and other needs of urban production.
    • Cooperative agreements that develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction plans.
    • Investing $260,000 for risk management training and crop insurance education for historically underserved and urban producers through partnerships between USDA’s Risk Management Agency(RMA) and the University of Maryland, University of Connecticut, and Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems.
    • Providing technical and financial assistance through conservation programs offered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service(NRCS).
    • Organizing 11 Farm Service Agency (FSA) urban and suburban county committees. FSA will organize additional committees.

    The Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production was established through the 2018 Farm Bill. It is led by NRCS and works in partnership with numerous USDA agencies that support urban agriculture. Its mission is to encourage and promote urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural practices, including community composting and food waste reduction. More information is available at farmers.gov/urban and the new Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture website.

    Additional resources that may be of interest to urban agriculture entities include grants from USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service and National Institute of Food and Agriculture  as well as FSA loans.

  • February USDA Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for February 2022, which are effective Feb. 1. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.

    Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans

    FSA offers farm ownership and operating loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers, whether multi-generational, long-time, or new to the industry, obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation. FSA also offers emergency loans to help producers recover from production and physical losses due to drought, flooding, other natural disasters or quarantine.  For many loan options, FSA sets aside funding for historically underserved producers, including veterans, beginning, women, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and Hispanic farmers and ranchers

    Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for February 2022 are as follows:

    FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders. 
    You can find out which of these loans may be right for you by using our Farm Loan Discovery Tool.

    Commodity and Storage Facility Loans

    Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low.  Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are administered by FSA.

    Pandemic and Disaster Support

    FSA broadened the use of the Disaster Set Aside (DSA), normally used in the wake of natural disasters, to allow farmers with USDA farm loans who are affected by COVID-19, and are determined eligible, to have their next payment set aside. Because of the pandemic’s continued impacts, producers can apply for a second DSA for COVID-19 as well as a second DSA for a natural disaster for producers with an initial DSA for COVID-19. Producers must apply for the second DSA by May 1, 2022. The set-aside payment’s due date is moved to the final maturity date of the loan or extended up to twelve months in the case of an annual operating loan. Any principal set-aside will continue to accrue interest until it is repaid. This will improve the borrower’s cashflow in the current production cycle.

    FSA also reminds rural communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses affected by the year’s winter storms, drought, hurricanes and other natural disasters that USDA has programs that provide assistance. USDA staff in the regional, state and county offices are prepared to deliver a variety of program flexibilities and other assistance to agricultural producers and impacted communities. Many programs are available without an official disaster designation, including several risk management and disaster recovery options.

    More Information

    In January 2021, USDA announced a temporary suspension of past-due debt collection and foreclosures for distressed direct loan borrowers due to the economic hardship imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. FSA will not be accelerating or foreclosing on any direct loans, regardless of payment status, while the suspension is in effect. Direct loan borrowers should expect to receive a letter from FSA explaining this further. Although some direct loan borrowers may have previously received a standardized form known as the “Notice of Intent to Accelerate”, direct loan borrowers should rest assured that we are not pursuing any acceleration or foreclosure.  We do encourage producers to learn more about their loan servicing options. Producers can explore available options on all FSA loan options at fsa.usda.gov or by contacting your local USDA Service Center.

  • Smoke Taint with Anita Oberholster, Prepare Your Vineyard for Future Threats

    Smoke taint is unfortunately an annual concern now for wine grape growers, and this was a topic of interest at the recent Sonoma Grape Expo. Watch this brief video with UCCE Specialist Anita Oberholster as she shares what’s been learned so far about the issue and how growers can prepare their operations as they head into another dry wildfire threatening season. Read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.
     
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • Walnut Growers Vote To Continue CA Walnut Board Marketing Order

    Since the 1940’s, the California Walnut Board (CWB) has helped drive industry growth and development with marketing and research programs.  California walnut growers recently voted to continue their marketing order, which means the Board will continue its efforts to advance the industry and drive demand for walnuts. The continuance referendum vote was held from December 6-31, 2021 for eligible growers and is required by its Federal Marketing Order every six years.

    “The vote represents the California walnut industry’s confidence in the Board and the many programs it implements,” said Bill Toss, CWB Executive Committee Chairman. “As a Board, our mission is to cultivate industry prosperity through walnut promotion, education, and research. While the industry has faced headwinds, we benefit from Board-funded marketing and research programs that deliver results to our growers and handlers, as well as the centralized structure it provides.”

    Programs funded by the CWB in recent years have included in-store supermarket promotions to drive sales, innovative production/post-harvest research to help growers and handlers stay competitive, and collecting and reporting data to enable a cohesive place for all industry members to get statistics.

    “We are honored that this vote will allow the Board to continue working to benefit industry,” said Michelle Connelly, Executive Director of the California Walnut Board. “The efforts by growers and handlers, in partnership with staff, to drive consumption and improve production practices are proof positive that we are stronger together to address both current and future business opportunities and challenges. We can often do more together than one operation can do on its own.”

    Tos added “on behalf of the Board, we are very grateful that growers acknowledged the important work that has been done and are committed to continuing these efforts moving forward.”

    Looking ahead, the CWB will continue to update the Federal Marketing Order rules governing inspections to increase efficiencies and address market disruptions. In September, the CWB voted to suspend the mandatory outbound inspections of walnuts to mitigate market disruptions like labor shortages or shipping constraints, while reducing redundancies. While this referendum vote confirms grower wishes to continue the CWB’s walnut promotional efforts, assessments will not be collected until the completion of the order revision process.

    Growers who want to learn more about how the CWB is doing more for the walnut industry are encouraged to sign up for newsletters to hear directly from the Board, follow its social channels on LinkedIn and GrowCAWalnuts on Facebook, and learn more at walnuts.org/walnut-industry.

    About the California Walnut Board

    The California Walnut Board (CWB) was established in 1948 to represent the walnut growers and handlers of California. The CWB is funded by mandatory assessments of the handlers. The CWB is governed by a Federal Walnut Marketing Order. The CWB promotes usage of walnuts in the United States through publicity and educational programs. The CWB also provides funding for walnut production, food safety and post-harvest research.